🔗 Share this article

In the course of a public appearance to Lichfield Cathedral on the start of the week, the King was confronted by a man who questioned him about Prince Andrew's connections with disgraced financier Epstein.

The man inquired how long the monarch had been aware about his sibling's association with Epstein, and also raised doubts about whether he had asked the authorities to "conceal" for Prince Andrew.

Amid the heckling, there were large groups of well-wishers and cheers for the King, who was visiting Staffordshire for an event.

Prince Andrew's links with Epstein have been under intense scrutiny in recent weeks. The royal, who gave up his titles earlier this month, has strongly denied any misconduct.

"How long have you known about Prince Andrew and Epstein? Did you request the authorities to cover up for Andrew?"

The King remained silent but continued meeting fans, some of whom chanted "Long live the King". One supporter can be overheard requesting him for a embrace.

Another woman outside the cathedral was also heard telling the protester to "go away" and to "shut up".

Controversy Reignited by Memoir

The controversy over the Duke of York's connections to Jeffrey Epstein has been revived by misconduct allegations detailed in Ms. Giuffre's posthumously-published memoir.

In the memoir, Ms Giuffre says she had sexual encounters with the prince on multiple times, including one instance with Jeffrey Epstein and "eight other young girls"

Andrew, who agreed to a financial settlement with the plaintiff in recent years, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In 2019, he told a news program he did not remember meeting her "ever", and that they "never had any sort of intimate relations."

New Inquiries Over Finances and Living Arrangements

But recently, new inquiries have been raised about how he is able to finance his lifestyle despite not being a working royal.

The disclosure that he has only ever paid a token annual rent on his Royal Lodge has intensified the examination over his living arrangements - even though he made large payments initially, including for improvements.

The political party said he should be called in front of members of parliament to give evidence about his rental agreement of his residence.

But last week, the government refused to give MPs time to debate the prince's status or his home, despite increasing calls for scrutiny.

Buckingham Palace has not issued a statement on whether the Duke of York might relocate of his home - or where he might reside.

Associated Issues

• Prince Andrew
• British Monarchy
• The Monarch